The Libyan National Army is a component of Libya's national military forces which are under the command of Khalifa Haftar. The LNA is based in Tobruk and opposes the GNA (the internationally-recognised government of Libya). Moreover, this insurgency is backed by Egypt, France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, mainly due to its strong stance against the Muslim Brotherhood.
The LNA’s commander — Haftar — was nominated as the commander of the LNA by the House of Representatives of Libya. Haftar is a heavily authoritarian figure that also despises the sharing of power, a factor which leads to speculation by numerous political scientists that the LNA is seeking dictatorship.
The current situation in Libya has led to a severe internal conflict between the LNA and the GNA. The United Nation’s direct support and involvement in the creation of the GNA often leads to the classification of the LNA as “illegitimate”.
In 2019, the LNA’s army was composed of around 7,000 regular Libyan soldiers, as well as around 18,000 Salafist militias, Sudanese, Chadian, and Russian mercenaries. The LNA’s army even has its own airforce as most members of the original Libyan airforce and navy have remained loyal to the GNA.
The LNA’s approach to resistance involves direct confrontation with the GNA forces. However, the LNA was also heavily involved in the Libyan regime change, as many of its initial founders were involved with the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. In 2016, the LNA also replaced elected municipal councils, elected mayors, and have even allegedly kidnapped Seham Sergiwa (a member of the House of Representatives), despite denying this.
NOTE: This article will be updated soon.